Making Time for Black Mental Health: A Recap of the Greenwich Event

On Thursday, 27th February, an impactful event titled “Making Time for Black Mental Health” took place at the Novotel Hotel in Greenwich.

The event aimed to provide a safe space for open discussions about black mental health, offering insights from experts, personal stories, and highlighting available support resources.

This event brought together professionals, community members, and individuals with lived experiences to share their thoughts on mental health in the black community, providing guidance on seeking help and breaking the stigma around mental well-being.

I was there with support from Carers UK to engage with minority mental health Carers, plus support the mental health event.

Event Highlights

Timetable of the Day

  • 2:30 PM: Exhibitors arrived to set up charity stalls.
  • 3:30 PM: Delegates and attendees began arriving.
  • 4:30 PM: The event officially commenced with a welcome address, followed by a panel discussion featuring black therapists and mental health advocates.
  • 8:15 PM: The event concluded, leaving attendees with valuable takeaways and action points.

Key Discussions

The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health

A powerful recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of storytelling. The Bella Rareworld keynote speaker encouraged attendees to embrace their personal narratives, stating:

“Each and every one of you has a story. You are amazing. You are brilliant. And you are loved despite what you are struggling with.”

Speakers shared deeply personal experiences, including overcoming depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. A particularly touching story was from keynote speaker suicide survivor, who credited a late-night call to Samaritans for saving their life.

Addressing the Stigma Around Black Mental Health

The panelists emphasized how cultural perceptions of strength and resilience often prevent black individuals from seeking help. Many attendees related to the idea that mental health struggles are frequently dismissed within the community, with one speaker noting:

“Happiness is your own story, not a comparison to others.”

The discussion also highlighted how black individuals are disproportionately sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The panel explored solutions, including advocacy for culturally competent care and improved representation in mental health services.

The Role of Community and Support Networks

The event also focused on the role of community in mental wellness. One key takeaway was the need for safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable discussing their struggles. A Samaritan volunteer shared insights on their work, reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Racial Trauma and its Impact on Mental Health

A thought-provoking session on racial trauma discussed how everyday experiences—such as microaggressions and systemic discrimination—contribute to long-term mental health struggles. One speaker recalled a childhood memory of being racially profiled, which shaped their later experiences:

“Even as adults, we still carry those moments. It shapes how we navigate the world.”

Supporting Black Men’s Mental Health

Another critical discussion centered on black male suicide rates. Panelists explored why many black men feel unable to express vulnerability and seek help. Attendees heard personal accounts of overcoming mental health challenges, with one speaker stressing:

“We need to create safe spaces for black men where they don’t feel judged for expressing their emotions.”

The conversation also touched on the concept of “code-switching”, where black individuals modify their behavior in professional and social settings to conform to expectations, which can have a psychological toll.

Resources and Takeaways

Throughout the event, various mental health organizations and initiatives were highlighted, including:

✅ Rethink Mental Illness – A charity focused on mental health advocacy and support.

✅ Betknowmore – A charity addressing gambling related harm in UK communities.

✅ Volunteer Centre Greenwich – A charity promoting volunteering roles for Royal Borough of Greenwich.

✅ Carers UK – A charity making life better for the 5.7 million carers across the UK.

✅ Samaritans – A charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide by providing a national helpline open 24 hours a day.

✅ Stubs Disability Service C.I.C – A CIC operating in Royal Borough of Greenwich providing disability benefit application support & advocacy.

✅ GamCare – A charity operating the National Gambling Helpline, providing structured support for anyone who is harmed by gambling